Maid suspected of double murder in Bedok fled to Indonesia by boat

SINGAPORE - A 41-year-old Indonesian maid suspected of murdering an elderly couple in their Bedok Reservoir flat is believed to have fled to Indonesia, according to Chinese daily Lianhe Zaobao.

The grisly double-murder was discovered by the couple's son when he returned home yesterday afternoon (June 21).

Police were alerted to the incident at 3.39pm.

Believed to be Singaporeans, the victims are Chia Ngim Fong, 79, and his wife Chin Sek Fah, 78, who were found lying motionless in different parts of their five-room executive flat, according to The Straits Times.

Neighbours described them as a friendly and loving couple, who had been living at Block 717 Bedok Reservoir Road for more than 30 years.

Mr Chia's body was found in the master bedroom located on the second floor of the maisonette, while his wife was found in the toilet with injuries on her neck.

They were pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics at 3.57pm.

Police reportedly seized three knives from the rubbish chute.

About a month ago, Mr Chia suffered a stroke, resulting in mobility issues and leading the family to employ a maid.

When the son returned home to the shocking find, the maid was nowhere to be found and her passport, as well as luggage, were missing.

According to Lianhe Zaobao, the maid arrived at Singapore Cruise Centre @ Habourfront around 12pm on June 21 and bought a ticket for the first boat out. 

Based on information on the Singapore Cruise Centre website, ferries were available to two Indonesian destinations: Batam or Tanjung Balai on Great Karimun Island.

An investigation by a Zaobao journalist found that it would have been possible for the maid to escape within 45 to 60 minutes after buying a ferry ticket. Multiple surveillance cameras at the cruise centre would also have been able to catch a glimpse of the suspect, the reporter noted. 

After going missing for more than 24 hours, the maid's current whereabouts remain unknown.

Anyone with information can call the police hotline on 1800-255-0000 or submit the information online at www.police. gov.sg/iwitness.

All information will be kept strictly confidential.

ljoey@sph.com.sg